Before Will Shipley became a rising star for the Philadelphia Eagles, athletic excellence was already in his DNA. The 2024 fourth-round pick dominated in high school with over 4,000 rushing yards and 80 touchdowns, excelling in multiple sports. With both parents and a brother playing lacrosse at Penn, it’s clear where his drive comes from. Here’s a look at the family behind his NFL success.

Who are Will Shipley’s parents?

Will Shipley was born to James Sr. and Tammy Shipley on August 29, 2002. Both parents attended NC State, where their shared athletic background shaped Will’s early passion for sports. His father, James Sr., a former Catawba point guard, is often credited with fueling his competitive spirit. Will’s older brother, James, also followed the family’s athletic path. He played lacrosse at Penn from 2020 to 2023, leading his high school team to three state titles and earning All-American honors twice.

Where did James and Tammy Shipley meet?

James and Tammy both attended and graduated from NC State University, where they met before starting their family together. The university connection runs particularly strongly through Tammy’s lineage – an impressive 26 members of her family have graduated from NC State, demonstrating multi-generational Wolfpack loyalty.

Their college years at NC State established the foundation for their family’s passion for sports and competition. The shared university experience and deep institutional ties through Tammy’s extensive family connections created a culture that would shape their children’s athletic development and competitive drive.

What are the ethnicities of Will Shipley’s parents?

Will Shipley’s parents are American-born North Carolina natives whose strong Southern roots reflect the values of small-town America. For the Shipleys, competition has always been an expression of love. James Sr. once shared that Will “played up” in sports a few years beyond his age until he was eight, simply because the family wanted to attend fewer practices. The approach paid off; those early challenges helped both Will and his brother develop a fierce competitive edge.

Will’s older brother, James Jr., has long been both his greatest inspiration and toughest rival. A two-time All-Ivy selection at Penn, James Jr. constantly pushed Will to elevate his game. Whether it was racing in the yard, shooting hoops, or battling it out in video games, those backyard duels sparked the relentless drive that now defines Will’s football career.

Inside Will’s Relationship with His Parents

The Shipley family was not only a home where children were raised, but it was also a school of champions. James and Tammy created an environment where achievement was a matter of course, not a choice. Their focus on preparation, discipline, and mental resilience led both of their sons down the road to becoming superior athletes.

From childhood, Will’s parents ensured that he trained under top-notch players. James taught him speed training and stamina to prepare him to play against seasoned players. All this was the basis for Will’s trademark explosiveness and endurance.

While James was preaching about hard work, Tammy kept things fun. Whether cheering her on the sidelines or bringing humor when she did rap performances, she ensured that Will never lost focus on enjoying the game.

At the Shipley household, there were no shortcuts, only an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Every setback was treated as a lesson, every win as motivation to reach higher. That shared drive for constant improvement, forged through years of competing with and against one another, continues to fuel Will’s relentless approach both on and off the field.

From backyard brawls to NFL arenas, Will Shipley’s path is the embodiment of James and Tammy Shipley’s template, a blend of order and creativity with unshakeable faith. Their encouragement still drives him as he makes his mark on Philadelphia’s backfield.